Bigot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bigot

[ˈbɪɡət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

prejudiced person

A bigot is someone who is intolerant of other people's opinions, beliefs, or lifestyles, especially if they differ from their own. Bigots often exhibit prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards individuals or groups based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

Synonyms

intolerant, narrow-minded, prejudiced, racist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bigot	Use in situations where someone is extremely stubborn in their opinions and refuses to accept different viewpoints, especially in terms of religion, politics, or ethnicity. This word often has a negative connotation. He is a bigot who won't listen to anyone who doesn't share his beliefs
racist	Specifically used to describe someone who believes that one race is superior to others or acts in a discriminatory way against people of other races. This word carries a very strong and negative connotation. Making racist comments can have serious social and legal consequences
intolerant	Appropriate when describing someone who cannot accept or tolerate different ways of thinking, behaviors, or practices. This can be used in various contexts, such as social, cultural, or political issues. She is intolerant of any criticism and reacts angrily when someone disagrees with her
narrow-minded	Fits when referring to individuals who have limited or closed perspectives, often unwilling to consider new ideas or different opinions. It has a negative connotation but less harsh than 'bigot'. His narrow-minded attitude prevents him from appreciating different cultures
prejudiced	Best for situations involving preconceived opinions or judgments, especially when they are not based on reason or actual experience. This word is often used in discussions about social issues. She is prejudiced against people from that region and refuses to interact with them

Examples of usage

He was labeled a bigot for his racist remarks.
The company does not tolerate bigots in the workplace.
She refused to associate with him because of his bigoted views.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

religious context

In a religious context, a bigot is someone who is zealously attached to a particular dogma, doctrine, or belief system and is intolerant of other faiths or beliefs. Religious bigots often seek to impose their beliefs on others and condemn those who do not conform to their views.

Synonyms

dogmatic, fanatical, sectarian, zealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bigot	Used to describe someone who is intolerant of others' beliefs, opinions, or lifestyles, often in a prejudiced or discriminatory manner. He is a bigot who refuses to accept anyone who has different views from his own
dogmatic	Used to describe someone who strongly asserts their opinions or beliefs as if they were unarguably true. This term often implies an unreasonable or arrogant adherence to their views. Her dogmatic approach to teaching left no room for students to express their opinions
fanatical	Used to describe someone who exhibits excessive enthusiasm and intense, uncritical devotion towards a cause, belief, or activity. Often carries a negative connotation. His fanatical love for the football team made him act irrationally whenever they lost a game
zealous	Used to describe someone who is fervently passionate and energetic about a cause or goal, often in a positive manner, but can also imply excessive fervor. She is zealous in her efforts to promote environmental conservation
sectarian	Used to describe someone with strong and often prejudiced loyalty to their particular religious or political group, usually in opposition to others. The sectarian violence in the area was a result of deep-rooted religious animosities

Examples of usage

The extremist group was known for its bigoted views towards other religions.
She accused him of being a religious bigot because he refused to accept alternative interpretations of scripture.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Implications

Throughout history, bigotry has manifested in numerous forms, including racism, religious intolerance, and xenophobia, affecting societies globally.
Modern social movements often fight against bigotry, promoting inclusion and acceptance to combat prejudice in various forms.
Bigotry can lead to social fragmentation, resulting in conflict and division within communities, highlighting the need for dialogue and education.

Psychology

Studies suggest that bigotry often stems from fear of the unknown, where individuals may feel threatened by different cultures or lifestyles.
Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, reinforce bigoted views by leading people to favor information that supports their beliefs while ignoring opposing views.
Research shows that empathy and social interaction with diverse groups can reduce bigoted attitudes, promoting understanding.

Literature

Bigotry has been a central theme in world literature, often explored in novels to critique societal norms and advocate for social change.
Famous works, like Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', illustrate the injustices of bigotry, sparking important discussions on race and morality.
Dystopian literature frequently portrays societies plagued by bigotry, emphasizing the dangers of intolerance and the importance of acceptance.

Legislation

Many countries have enacted laws to fight against hate speech and discrimination, specifically targeting bigoted behavior to protect marginalized communities.
International human rights treaties condemn discrimination and seek to eliminate bigoted practices worldwide.
Public policies that promote equality and diversity aim to dismantle structures that allow bigotry to thrive in society.

Origin of 'bigot'

Main points about word origin

The term 'bigot' is believed to have originated from the French word 'bigot', meaning 'hypocrite' or 'ignoramus', in the late 16th century.
Some linguists suggest it may have roots in the Old Norman word 'bigot', referring to a religious zealot.
The word first appeared in English literature in the 1600s, often used in religious contexts to describe those intolerant of differing beliefs.

The word 'bigot' originated in the late 16th century and was initially used to describe a superstitious religious hypocrite. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to someone who is intolerant or prejudiced towards others. The term may have derived from the Old French word 'bigoterie' or 'by god,' suggesting excessive religious zeal. The history of 'bigot' reflects the negative consequences of rigid adherence to personal beliefs at the expense of tolerance and understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,583, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28580 maudlin
28581 centrifuging
28582 exhaling
28583 bigot
28584 summarization
28585 universalist
28586 crock
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